Texas Rangers: Five NRI’s to watch this spring training

Texas Rangers NRI’s to watch: RHP Fernery Ozuna

Another player having visa issues, Fernery Ozuna presents an intriguing bullpen option for the Texas Rangers this season.

If not the Opening Day roster, Ozuna will surely be on the rise this season and could see Arlington by September.

The infielder-converted-pitcher is best known for his triple-digit fastball and good changeup, which could play well in the Rangers’ bullpen.

During the 2018 season, Ozuna pitched for the DSL Rangers, allowing four runs on 10 hits, while striking out 10 over 12 innings pitched.

He held a 2.25 ERA by season’s end, but impressed the Rangers’ staff so much that he was invited to 2021 big league camp.

He’s dealt with injuries in 2019 and no minor league season in 2020, so this spring will be a chance for Ozuna to face premier hitters at the highest level.

If he succeeds, there’s no doubt in my mind that he’ll make the Rangers roster sometime this season.

If you’re interested in learning more about Fernery Ozuna, click here.

Texas Rangers NRI’s to watch: RHP Hunter Wood

The 27-year old Wood has spent three seasons in the major leagues with Tampa Bay and Cleveland.

He has been a staple in each of their dynamic bullpens, and became a quality setup man.

Much like the Rangers did with Nick Goody last season, the took a flier on a guy who didn’t pitch much the year prior, in this case, not at all.

Over three seasons in the bigs, Hunter Wood has a career 3.32 ERA and 1.362 WHIP, adding 10 starts and 81 punch-outs to his line.

If he comes into camp and proves he is healthy, he could provide another solid reliever at the back-end of the Texas bullpen, and potentially a trade chip at the deadline.

Texas Rangers’ NRI’s to watch: RHP Luis Ortiz

Luis Ortiz‘s name may sound familiar to many Rangers fans, and that’s because Texas took him 30th overall in the 2014 MLB Amateur Draft.

Ortiz was once considered one of the top pitching prospects in the Rangers’ system, but was shipped to Milwaukee in the 2016 Jonathan Lucroy trade.

Milwaukee turned around and sent him to Baltimore with Jonathan Villar for second baseman Jonathan Schoop two years later.

He would go on to make his big league debut with Baltimore in 2018, but has struggled since reaching the game’s highest level.

Over his two seasons with the Orioles, Ortiz struggled to a 12.71 ERA while allowing 10 runs on 11 hits over 5.2 innings.

The former top prospect has a chance to re-establish some value this spring in Rangers’ camp, and pitch for a long-relief or back-end starter role.

If he pitches well, he could have a shot to win one of the rotation spots, but it’s more likely that he’ll begin the season at Frisco or Round Rock.

Texas Rangers NRI’s to watch: UTIL Andy Ibanez

I’ve been on the Andy Ibanez hype train for a long time, and this year is no different.

I believe that Ibanez has as good a chance as ever to come into camp, win the third base job and return to a major league utility-player once Josh Jung is ready.

He has the ability to put the ball in play and hits for a good average, while playing all over the diamond every day.

He has the ability to be a good big league player, but he’s looking for his opportunity.

You can read more on his journey through the minor leagues and his dominance over minor league pitching, here.

If he comes into camp and outperforms veterans Charlie Culberson and Brock Holt, he could see his way onto the Opening Day roster, and potentially a more permanent utility role.